by ArtsCouncil
March 17, 2010 16:49
Eighth Annual Jerry Brown Arts Festival deemed success
By KATHRYN HIRSCHFELD
Staff Writer, Journal Record
HAMILTON - Organizers deemed the Eighth Annual Jerry Brown Arts Festival a success with approximately 5,000 attendees from 16 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
“It was a good, solid festival,” said Marla Minter, public relations officer for the Northwest Alabama Arts Council, which hosted the event on March 6-7 at the former Walmart location in Hamilton.
“It was beautiful weather and the logistics went smoothly, including the parking. There were no issues, whatsoever, with the parking.
“We had wonderful support from the local community and 55 total corporate sponsors--by far the most ever for a JBAF--and even more impressive in this tough economy.
“We appreciate Regi Klement, of Klement Texas Ltd., for allowing us to use the former Walmart building. We’d also like to thank the City of Hamilton, the Marion County Commission and all of the individuals and businesses who helped sponsor the event.”
Minter explained that the arts council was blessed to also have the most volunteers ever for the JBAF.
“In addition to offering corporate sponsorship monies, many local businesses had employees who volunteered their time, which was a tremendous help to the arts council, and was sincerely appreciated,” she said.
With 69 artists from five states appearing and attendees from 16 states traveling to the festival, the JBAF and its reputation continue to grow in the arts community.
Minter noted,” We sincerely believe, after talking with the artists, that the respect and reputation of the festival continues to grow each year, and better and better artists will continue to apply.”
Organizers are already working on next year’s festival.
“It’s a 13-month-long process,” said Minter.